Dana Tyrell was the game's second star, leading an excellent effort by some of the veteran guys. The team also got excellent physical contributions from guys like Philippe Paradis, as well. It won't take long for the younger guys to adjust and start chipping in, too. As it is, though, it still hurts to squander a 2 goal lead in the final frame. Syracuse gets a week to stew on it until their home opener against Rochester.

The Syracuse Crunch forward, set to officially begin his rookie season Saturday night in Binghamton, is used to netting at least a point per game, if not more. But at just 20 years old, he knows he has to keep progressing to reach his goal of playing in the National Hockey League.

"It's hockey, it's my life," Kucherov said. "I'm going to do everything I can do to be in the NHL."

Cedrick Desjardins allowed 3 goals on 29 shots for the loss, but was also named the game's third star in defeat.

Nikita Nesterov had a shorthanded goal for the Crunch and added a helper in the contest. Cedric Paquette got the Crunch's second goal, deflecting a Nesterov point shot on the power play.

Syracuse will get an influx of 8 players from Tampa Bay, including veteran Dana Tyrell and ex-first rounder Brett Connolly. They'll have a week of practice before opening their season Saturday in Binghamton against the Senators.

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have reduced their training camp roster by four tonight, vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman announced. The Lightning’s camp roster now sits at 36, with 19 forwards, 14 defensemen and three goaltenders.